'DNA for life' plan for terror suspects; They are special case, says review.Byline: JACK DOYLE For the baseball player, see Jack Doyle (baseball player) Jack Doyle (August 31 1913 in Cobh, Ireland - December 13 1978 in Paddington, London), known as "The Gorgeous Gael" was at one time or another contender British Boxing Championship, Hollywood actor and an TERROR suspects who are released without charge could face having their DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. profiles stored for life. Proposals announced by the Home Office could see the information on anyone arrested for terrorist offences but either not charged or acquitted kept indefinitely on the national database. Under the plans, senior police officers would review each case every two years on national security grounds to see if holding on to the genetic profile of each individual was warranted. Even under 18s arrested but not charged could have their DNA profiles stored for much longer periods than for other crimes. Home Office minister Alan Campbell Alan Campbell may be:
He said the proposals were "proportionate" and would ensure the right people were on the database. "The reality is many investigations of certain terrorist activity take a very long time indeed, and they have to be treated differently to the other offences we are talking about," he said. In a policy document launched today, the Home Office signalled a partial retreat in the face of outrage over plans to hold the DNA of thousands of innocent people for more than a decade. Adults who are arrested but not convicted of a serious crime will have their profiles held for six years instead of the 12 proposed this summer. Juveniles cleared or not charged with serious crimes will have their data kept for three years, or six if they are aged 16 or 17. The earlier consultation proposed holding data on all under 18s arrested for a violent or sexual crime for 12 years, even if they were not convicted. But for minor crimes committed by young offenders, the proposals have been toughened up. A first conviction will lead to profiles being held for five years. Ministers were forced to review the current policy, which allows police to hold profiles of every person arrested indefinitely, after a European Court of Human Rights ruling last year. Between half a million and a million people with no criminal convictions have their DNA profiles stored on the database, the largest of its kind in the world. The decision to retain the profiles of innocent adults for six years provoked criticism. Tory MP David Davis David Davis, the name of several people, may refer to:
adj. Refusing to moderate a position, especially an extreme position; uncompromising. [French intransigeant, from Spanish intransigente : over keeping innocent people's DNA on the Government database." CAPTION(S): David Davis |
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